Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka could face a defensive nightmare at Crystal Palace on Saturday with Calum Chambers and George Friend both undergoing late fitness tests.

Antonio Barragan (hamstring) has already been ruled out of the trip to Selhurst Park, a match that could have huge repercussions in the battle at the bottom of the Premier League.

And Boro will be praying one of either Chambers (foot) or Friend (calf) will prove their fitness over the coming hours - or risk heading to South London with just Fabio da Silva & James Husband as their recognised full-backs.

If Chambers & Friend are absent, something Karanka couldn't rule out in yesterday's press conference, could Stewart Downing be deployed at left-back against Sam Allardyce's side? Or would Boro set out in a 3-5-2?

Captain Grant Leadbitter caught the eye in the FA Cup last Saturday so could retain his place, while there has been much talk surrounding Cristhian Stuani and Gaston Ramirez in the build-up. Will one or both Uruguayan internationals start?